Local police contain clashes at Yemen's Aden airport

By Shukri Hussein

ADEN, Yemen (AA) - Police on Wednesday scrambled to secure an airport in the coastal city of Aden -- which currently serves as Yemen's provisional capital -- after clashes between rival groups of security forces, according to a local police source.

In a press statement, Aden police spokesman Captain Abdulrahman al-Naqib said local police forces had been commissioned by a Saudi-led Arab coalition -- which is active in Yemen -- to “secure and protect” the strategic airport.

According to al-Naqib, the situation at the airport had since been contained after clashes broke out earlier Wednesday between rival security personnel tasked with safeguarding the facility.

The clashes reportedly led to the death of at least one soldier and the injury of two others.

According to the police spokesman, a dispute arose between the airport’s security director and his deputy, with the latter refusing to comply with an order to investigate some of his subordinates.

The dispute quickly escalated into armed clashes between the two officers.

“[Saudi-led] coalition forces demanded the surrender of personnel loyal to the security deputy,” al-Naqib said.

“But after the latter refused to comply, security forces -- backed by military aircraft -- stormed the airport, eventually seizing control of the runway,” he added.

Ultimately, the spokesman explained, the security deputy -- along with his subordinates -- surrendered to Aden Security Director Major-General Shalal Ali.

“All those who engaged in acts of violence will be subject to investigation,” he said.